SINGAPORE – With 37 automotive brands and more than 200 models at the Singapore Motorshow 2026, it is easy to feel overwhelmed.

Held at the Suntec Singapore Convention & Exhibition Centre until Jan 11, the event spans multiple levels. Most of the brands are situated on the fourth and sixth floors, while Chinese brand Ora occupies the ground-floor atrium. Smaller booths are located on the third floor.

As with the event in 2025, Chinese manufacturers dominate. One senior automotive executive remarked to The Straits Times that the sheer volume of Chinese brands made the event feel like a trade fair in “Guangzhou or something”.

BYD

once again sets the bar, both with its sophisticated stand design and line-up of new models. Its brawny high-end sport utility vehicle (SUV), the Denza B5, looks poised to give the Land Rover Defender a run for its money.

The show also marks the debut of several new Chinese brands, including Hongqi, Nio and ICaur. However, just as significant as this influx of

new players

is the response from familiar Japanese carmakers. Notably, Toyota, Lexus and Mazda have wheeled out attractive electric models that can take the fight to their Chinese counterparts.

Meanwhile, Mercedes-Benz has gone the extra mile. Rather than restricting its display to models that it wants to sell, such as its new CLA-class, the star is the Concept AMG GT XX. Still caked in grime from its record-breaking endurance run at the Nardo track in southern Italy, the concept car showcases electric technology that will be translated to the next Mercedes-AMG GT.

Getting close to the filthy electric endurance sports car ...